The non-hardy Gazania, also known as Mittagsgold or Sonnentaler, not only loves a sunny location, this plant also needs it so that its flowers open. They close again in the evening and remain closed on cloudy days.
Which location is best for Gazania?
The ideal location for Gazania is a full sun spot with well-drained and nutrient-rich soil protected from rain. They are ideal for south-facing balconies and rock gardens. Potting soil with sand or cactus soil is recommended for potted plants.
So be sure to plant your Gazania in a sunny place with well-drained and rather dry soil. It fits perfectly in a rock garden and even grows in the cracks of a dry stone wall. The Sonnentaler cannot tolerate waterlogging at all, which is why you should loosen very firm soil a little and possibly incorporate a drainage layer. Water the midday gold only moderately and preferably in the morning or evening.
The Gazania on the balcony
Because it is so sun-loving, the Gazania is ideal as a plant for a south-facing balcony. It can also be combined very well with other summer flowers. Be sure to create a drainage layer made of old pottery shards, coarse gravel or expanded clay in the balcony box or planter. Use potting soil mixed with sand (€13.00 on Amazon) or special cactus soil.
Fertilizer recommendations vary significantly from once a year to once a week. Of course, they are very dependent on the existing soil conditions and the ability of the Gazania to bloom. Be careful when approaching the correct dosage. If the midday gold gets too much fertilizer, it produces more leaves and fewer flowers.
The best location tips for Gazania:
- full sun if possible
- like to be protected from rain
- permeable nutrient-rich soil
- excellent for balcony planting
- for potted plants: mix potting soil with sand or use cactus soil
Tip
If your Gazania is not blooming as desired, then it is missing sun or has received too much fertilizer.
